Mazda3 SP25 2008 review

But in a country where Mazdas — and specifically the new Mazda 3 — are little more than a blip on what is a very large radar, that is not necessarily a bad thing.

At least it's better than receiving no recognition at all, said Mazda's global head of design Laurens van den Acker, who prefers to describe the new look as more aggressive.

The idea was to give the car a more distinctive look to make it more visible on the road.

Explore the 2009 Mazda 3 range

• Mazda3 2008 review
• Mazda3 SP25 2008 review

The new, second generation Mazda3 was launched this week in Los Angeles, with the hatch to follow shortly in Italy and the fire-breathing MPS still a couple of months away — although the latter is all very hush hush.

Spy photos show the MPS with more strident boy racer styling, including dual exhausts and for the first time a bonnet air scoop to match competitors Evo and WRX.

Exterior

By far and away the new Mazda's most defining feature is the prominent, five-pointed radiator grille that has been dropped to a position below the bumper line.

It's one of the most direct, undiluted transitions from concept to production model that we have seen.

From the rear, with its clear lens tail lights, the car bears a strong family resemblance to the larger Mazda6.

Rather than being all-new, the Mazda3 sits on a revised version of the existing platform, with revised suspension to match.

It's the same platform that is home to cousins the Ford Focus and Volvo S40.

Interior

Inside, the dash has been completely redesigned, with a two-tier arrangement that places an emphasis on large twin speedo and tacho binnacles instead of the previous three.

Everything else is relegated to a wrap around information display that is set further back.

The steering wheel fairly bristles with controls, on the basis that younger buyers are comfortable with that from playing with iPods and computer games.

Drivetrains

Mazda3 will be powered by 2.0 and 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engines, as well as a 2.0-litre diesel.

The 2.0 is a carry over from the previous model and the 2.5, replacing the 2.3, is a lift from Mazda6.

MPS is likely to retain the current 2.3-litre turbo, an engine that also powers the CX-7.

The other big news is the addition of a five-speed auto and adoption of a six-speed manual across the range.

We miss out, however, on a new, direct injection 2.0-litre petrol engine and the fuel savings that go with it because we are told it is not compatible with our low grade fuel.

It would also bump up the price of the car.

The move from a four to a five-speed auto brings its own fuel savings, however, estimated to be 10 per cent better. The current car delivers 8.9 litres/100km in automatic form.

Driving

We were able to drive the new 2.5-litre auto (the car destined to become our SP25) in the hills behind Santa Monica where there are some fantastic winding mountain roads to be found.

It's no sports car, but it's no slouch either.

Mazda3 delivers the best steering and handling in the segment, only occasionally let down by a lack of torque.

The five-speed auto offers delivers better spread of gears, with a manual change option.

Tilt and reach adjustable steering with a power operated sports driver seat guarantees a comfortable seating position.

After getting stuck in some of LA's notorious traffic, we can understand Amercian's penchant for autos.

It's the same tranny as in the Mazda6 but with more agressive throttle setting.

Fuel economy after some hard miles was the equivalent of 12.5 litres/100km.

The new 2.0-litre engine is delivers 108kW of power at 6500rpm and 182Nm of torque at 4500rpm (current engine is good for 104kW/181Nm) and the 2.5 produces 121kW at 6000rpm and 225Nm at 4000rpm (currently 115/kW/203Nm).

The one blot in Mazda3's otherwise exemplary copy book is the lack of one-touch blinkers which are fairly common these days.

Pricing and standard equipment is yet to be finalised, but includes the availability of swivel headlights with bi-xenon beams, automatic wipers and lights, heated front seats and a keyless start button.

Looking back much of Mazda6's success can be attributed to the fact that Mazda managed to build a car that looked and felt more expensive than it was.

Fast forward and it looks to have pulled off the same trick with the new Mazda3.